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btutinel P} lilting House Hit i.iltad, Ohio. 




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Poems Written bV 

Tyv^^' EVELINE F. BURT, 

MT. GIIvEAD, OHIO. 



Copyright, iSgo, by Mrs. E. F. Burt. 




coiNTTEnNrTs, 



"Pag«. 

Amtumn Leaves 6 

Autograph 17, 20, 21 

Alone 23 

Angels 33 

Asleep 38 

Ada 42 

Box of Old Letters 14 

Be Still 25 

Blossoms 34 

Chattanooga 43 

Eighty-nine 16 

Farewell 27 

Fashion's Question Box 39 

Hymn 12 

Heaven ..19 

Hidden 41 

Hoods 41 

Hidden Praj-er 44 

Incident 31 

Johnnv 36 

J-S. H 35 

Listening and Led 7 

Life II 

Little Allie 24 

Lines to a Brother Dead 28 

Lola 29 

JNIine 10 

I\Iy Father's Old Farm 30 

Multiplied 32 

Mother's Choir 35 

Only a Name 8 

Old Times 18 

Profile 37 

Reunion of the 96tli O. V. 1 9 

Rest Awhile 40 

Scripture Pearls 13 

Service 44 

The Old Log House 15 

The Bible 20 

The Old Arm Chair 21 

The Singer and the Song 26 

The Temperance Army 36 

Velma 29 

We Will Go to Her 22 

W. R C. andG. A. R. 43 



AUTUMN LEAVES. 



PREFACE. 



Poems by E. F. BURT. 



Complete May First, 1890. 
This little book to friends is given, 
May it remind of friends in heaven, 
With kindest eyes as you read o'er 
Pass by mistakes, — you have before. 
I write for widows, orphans too. 
Who proved their loyalty so true. 
Whose fathers sleep on southern plain, 
Whose husbands cannot come again. 
Perhaps a thought some joy may bring 
Some comfort to the sorrowing ; 
Bring back "old times" and sad good-bye 
With sacred song I bring them nigh. 
To those who once my pupils were, 
I leave these Poems to your care ; 
Reminding you of pleasures past, 
Of pleasant hours too bright to last. 
Dear friends, I give to all of you 
A loving thought both kind and true. 

— E. F. B. 



AUTUMN LEAVES. 



AUTUMN LEAVES. 



Autumn leaves of many colors, 

Living but a day ; 
Oh ! how very beautiful 

Falling to decay. 



Sunlight passing through them 

8how their colors gay, 
When a little wind storm 

Bloweth them away. 

If my thoughts like Autumn leaves, 

Falling still are found ; 
Falling leaves are valuable, 

Will enrich the ground. 

All things the most beautiful, 

Liveth not so long ; 
Gather all the Autumn leaves. 
Weave them into song. 



Let life be not just breathing. 

Give good to others while you are receiving 

Let every breath be blessing, • 

Every word be love, 
In all weakness ask thy 

Help from heaven above. 



AUTUMN LEAVES. 



LISTENING AND LED. 



I/istening my fathers voice, 

Led by His hand, 
Casting my care on Him, 

Bravely I stand ; 
Ivistening to hear his will, — 

Follow I on ; 
I will be thankful still, — 

Happy my song. 

I/cd on in sorrows way. 

Calmly I trust ; 
In darkness as in day, 

God's ways are just ; 
Listening with thankful heart, 

Mercies I find ; 
Led by His providence, 

Tenderly kind. 

Listening my fathers calls, 

Angels attend ; 
Open they Heaven's gate, 

Homeward I trend ; 
Listening to hear His voice. 

Calling me near ; 
Then all my journeyings, 

Evermore clear. 



AUTUMN LEAVES. 



ONLY A NAME. 



Only a name there's much 

More to me, 
Many dear faces before 

Me I see. 
Husband and brother, and 

Cousin and friend. 
Went from out homes, 

Our lives to defend ; 
Husband, Oh ! where can 

Your equal be found. 
Brother, with laurel thy head 

We would crown. 
Oh, friends of our childhood. 

Bright, noble and true. 
You fought, bled and died for 

The red, white and blue. 
We never may lay our sweet 

Flowers when you sleep ; 
Like Mary we cannot go 

There to weep. 
How precious and sacred their 

Memory how dear, 
Now proudly we honor the 

Names we find here. 
We will bring brightest flowers 

To this sacred spot, 
For not for one moment 

Shall they be forgot. 



AUTUMN LEAVES. 



REUNION OF THE 96th 0. V. 



Oh ! welcome dear soldiers, 

How proudly you come ; 
The battle is over 

The victory is won. 
How gladly we hail you ; 

So noble, so free, 
May the land of our fathers 

Your home ever be. 

Yet with all of our greeting, 

Our tears freely fall. 
For we know that your number 

Is not there at all ; 
We forget not the warrior 

Who so bravely died. 
To see our beloved ones 

We now are denied. 

Then in your reunions 

Forget not the brave ; 
Oh ! let this torn flag 

Still over them wave ; 
May God ever bless you, 

Protect you and keep, 
Remember the warrior 

Your comrades asleepi. 



10 AUTUMN LEAVES,. 



MINE. 



It was a soldier's grave, 

So far away ; 
An honored life lie gave, 

Alone lie lay. 

A star looked down from heaven 
On that dear mound, 

The wind came whistling by. 
No other sound. 

The moonbeams gentle light,. 

Made night as day ; 
•Then morning came at last,. 

Chased night away. 

A little cloud o'erhung, 

A rain drop fell, 
A bird sat near and sung 

A sad farewell. 

The star was companjr 

I could not keep ; 
The raindrop was the tear 

I could not weep. 

The bird sang him my song. 
From northern clime ; 

For, oh ! this little mound. 
This grave was mine. 



AUTUMN LEAVES. 11 



LIFE. 



Our life-like shadows s-wiftlj' fly, 
Just like a flower were born to die, 

lyife as a vision in the night, 

"Which fadeth in the morning light. 

The snow flake with its fairy form 
Comes in a moment, then is gone, 

So pure and white it glideth by 
To touch the earth, whisper good-bye. 

A song is heard, we hear no more. 
The singers songs on earth are o'er. 

Dear hands once pressed in silent love. 
Beckon us now from heaven above. 

The blue eyes of our little child 

Awaken with the undefiled ; 
Our friend goes out with hurried feet, 

To walk no more our busy street 

A mother, well at eventide, 

We learn before the morn has died, 

We're little children now at home, 

The years make haste and we are grown. 

A mother's hair is turning grey, 
Who was a child, but yesterday, 

The little child vdth curly head 

Will come ere long with manly tread. 

A bride is at the altar given, 
A year is gone, thejtie is riven ; 

For life is but a summer day 
On all things written, pass away. 



12 AUTUMN LEAVES. 



HYMN, 



Jesus my Redeemer King, 
Of thy praises let me sing ; 

Let me put my hand in thine, 
Being led by hand divine, 

I am weak, but thou art strong, 
Help me Lord to follow on. 

I would hide beneath thy wing, 

Sheltered I can truly sing. 
But my Savior knoweth best 

Whether I need pain or rest; 
I am weak, but thou art strong, 

Help me Lord to follow on. 

I would bring myself to thee 
Poor and helpless though I be ; 

Lay myself low at thy feet. 

Knowing thou wilt work complete, 

I am weak, but thou art strong, 
Help me Lord to follow on. 

There are things so hard to bear, 
Yet I know the Lord doth care. 

Sometimes Lord there's much to take ; 
Let me bear them for thy sake, 

I am weak, but thou art strong. 
Help me Lord to follow on. 

If I love my Saviour more, 
When these trials all are o'er ;, 

If the shadows lead to light, 
Day will come after the night, 

I am weak, but thou art strong. 
Help me Lord to follow on. 



AUTUMN LEAVES. 13 

SCRIPTURE PEARLS. 



Ask and ye shall receive, 
Believe and ye shall live, 
Cast all your care upon the Lord, 
So willing to forgive. 

Delight thyself upon the Lord, 
Enter the narrow way, 
Fear not, I'm with thee to the end. 
Will make thy night as day. 

Give to the Lord the glory due. 
Hide thou beneath the rock, 
I am the life, the truth, the way. 
The shepherd of the flock. 

Jesus our Savior Priest and King, 
Knoweth the righteous way, 
Ivoveth the young to trust in Him, 
Seeks those who go astray. 

My sheep He calls them all by name. 
Not one of them is lost. 
Often the blind and halt are healed. 
To them there is no cost. 

Pray without ceasing. He will hear, 
Quench not the spirit's power, 
Remember He will hear thy cry 
In every trying hour. 

Sufficient to the day it is 
The evil load to bear, 
Unless the cross by Thee is borne, 
The crown you cannot wear. 

Venture upon the Lord most high, 
Why will you longer wait, 
Examine well your hope of heaven, 
Before it is too late. 

Ye must be born again to live, 
Zealous and faithful grow, 
And after all to Christ is given, 
Confess 'tis all I owe. 



14 AUTUMN LEAVES. 

BOX OF OLD LETTERS. 



Dear old letters laying here, 

They remind of old friends dear, 

Crumbling in the dust with age 
Time has written on each page. 

Here are letters not a few, 

This was written in thirty- two 

Penned by my mother's hand. 
When a bride in a strange land. 

Of privation it will tell, 

L/Oneliness and funeral knell, 
Crumbling letter left to me. 

Treasured shall this letter be. 

Time worn letters breathing still 

Of the love her heart did fill, 
Precious letter, folded hand, 

Mother's in a better land. 

Then another, older still. 

Speaks of Grandma ever will. 

For affectionate and kind 

Dear old Grandmamma we find. 

In the answer Grandpa speaks, 
My dear wife I'd like to meet. 

Then he writes when God is near 
You and I will never fear. 

Though you are so far away. 

From His care you cannot stray ; 

Crumble letter into dust. 
Live forever Grandpa must. 

Here's another time has worn 

With age yellow, places torn, 
This torn letter I revere. 

Grandma Great penned these words here. 

Eighteen twelve, Great Grandma said, 
In God s ways I \vish to tread, 

Teach your children God to fear 
From an aged mother dear. 



AUTUMN LEAVES. 15 

All these letters careful hold, 

Traced by hands all still and cold ; 
These dear friends come not again, 

In our hearts they live the same. 

Here are traced kind, loving words, 

Dear sweet voices never heard ; 
For they come to us no more. 

Never as they did before. 

Lay these letters safely by, 

They shall speak to you and I 
When these friends we once more greet, 

May our number be complete. 



THE OLD LOG HOUSE. 

How well I remember the old log house, 

The home where I was born ; 
And happy days that were spent therein. 

On my own dear father's farm. 
CHORUS. 
What a happy time we children had 

As the evening hours drew on, 
We sang our songs, and played our games, 

Oh, happy days long gone. 

Oh, there was light in the old back log, 
There was music in mother's song. 

And the stories she'd tell before the fire 
In the days that have long since gone. 

— [Chorus. 

Those happy hours have passed away. 
Dear father and mother are gone. 

And brothers and sisters are growing gray, 
Who lived on the old, old farm. 

— [Chorus. 

No other home in our later years. 
Since our old log house has gone, 

Were ever as bright as in those days, 
Of childhood story and song. 

— [Chorus. 



16 AUTUMN LEAVES. 

EIGHTY-NINE. 



O, year so fraught with sorrow 

Eighty-nine, 
Through all thy days we trace 

A hand divine, 
Death coming here and there 

With silent tread, 
Numbering this one, and that one, 

With the dead. 
The glad new year when, 

Richest gifts abound. 
Slowly and silently without 

A sound. 

The maiden fair, the little child 
Went home to heaven with 

Garments undefiled ; 
The man who pitied others 

In distress, 
Who only lived that others 

He might bless ; 
The husband whose strong arm 

Could shield 
The wife so well beloved. 

Must to thee yield. 
The loving daughter with her 

Power to charm. 
Goes gladly where no accident 

Can harm. 
Not for the widow or the orphans tears 

Would death delay 
Its freezing touch, no love 

Or power could stay ; 
The man of fourscore years 

And three, 
The mother with her babe 

So wee. 
The maiden, who made glad 

Our hearts with song, 
Who will be missed for years, 

In church, and choir, and throng, 
The youngest of the flock torn 

From a mother's arms. 



AUrmJN LEAVES. ' 17 

Emptied she said, but taken 

From all harm. 
The old man bent with age, 

With e5'es so dim. 
Awakened not then he was 

Gathered in ; 
For silvery hair, and childhood 

With its love of truth 
The one's in middle life, the — 

Gay and sparkling youth, 
Alike have fallen, since on 

Christmas day 
We sat and laughed our time away. 

W^e meet no more these dear ones 

On our busy street. 
We may not wait a moment this 

Dear aged friend to greet ; 
We look in vain, there's only now 

An empty chair ; 
The one we loved and prized will . 

Never more be there. 
Perhaps there is an empty shoe 

We lay away ; 
A little curl, that on the dear 

Head lay, 
A penciled mark upon the Bible 

Tells 
The truth the one believed and 

Where our loved one dwells. 



AUTOGRAPH 



The past is not our own, ' 

The present moment flies ; 
The future to us is unknown, 

May open to other eyes ; 
Now in this world we live — 

To love and bless. 
How then can we afford 

To love each other less. 



18 A UTUMN LEA VES. 

OLD TIMES. 



Old times will linger ever near the heart ; 

"Which later years so fraught with care, 

Can never from us part 

All that we loved in sunny childhood days.. 

When we found beneath the forest trees 

Fine places for our plays. 

'Twas before the mighty woodman 

L,aid the forest trees so low ; 

That we would gather acorns, 

For our dishes make them do. 

Then our pretty little carpet 

Was a bright and mossy green ; 

We children had a good time, 

Within our grape vine swing. 

At that time the people lived 

In their cabins built of logs; " "^, 

With stick chimneys on the outside. 

All were happy, what's the odds; 

Other neighbors lived the same, 

The country then was new, 

We thought it not a hardship 

To make a little do. 

When we would have log rollings 

We would ask our neighbors in, 

Take the door down for a table. 

You ought to there have been. ] 

Our stove was just a fire place, 

We hung the kettle on the crane ; 

And fried our meat upon the coals. 

It tasted better all the same. 

If friends came to spend the evening, 

They put us all to bed ; 

We tried bur best to keep awake 

And hear all that was said. 

We were taught then to remember, ^ 

To listen, softly tread ; 

To keep quite still as children should ; 

Within our trundle bed. y^ ' 

Well, people did not attend church, ] 

To show the latest style ; 



AUTUMN LEAVES. U) 



Their dress was woven lionie-spun, 

At their bonnets you would smile, 

Their garments now would look quite odd 

Were then in fashion new, 

Their fortune was not on their back, 

They made a little do. 

Dear loving friends of days gone by, 

Kind faithful man of God ; 

AVho led our church and Sabbath school 

Are mouldering 'neatli the sod. 

Oh ! dear old friends, Oh! childhood home, 

Will not be ours again. 

Yet when we sing a cheerful song; 

An olden time refrain. 

I see beloved faces 

Around my father's door, 

I almost hear the footsteps 

Of those who come no more. 



HEAVEN. 

.&. — 

A home in Heaven! oh, how sweet. 
Within that home joy is complete. 
A home where all the weary Rest ; 
Sweet home where dwell the truly blest. 

Oh, Heavenly home of quiet rest, 
Our Father's house, and mansion blest. 
We prize too much our home on earth. 
Forget our home of priceless worth ; 
Our eyes shall turn anew to tliee, 
Where Jesus said the "mansions be," 
Prepared for those who love Him well, 
Where holy, happy angels dwell. 

Eye hath not seen, nor ear hath heard, — 
The beauties of the lovely land, 
Nor can the heart of man conceive 
The music of the Heavenly band. 



20 AUTUMN LEAVES. 



THE BIBLE. 



Neglected book of priceless worth, 
The best of all to mortals given, 

Thy truth the mind can ne'er bring forth. 
Yet find enough to guide to heaven. 

All books complete borrowed from thee. 
All of real worth was thy bequest ; 

Oh! what would fallen man not be 
If by thy truth we were not blest. 

In ages past e'er knowledge, art. 
Or any science had progressed, 

The truth like magic on the heart 
Made the proud soul its sins confess. 

And, oh, when sorrow 'round us throw, 
A gloom which earth can never light, 

'Tis to thy pages we may go 
And find a home where all is bright. 

Oh! precious, but neglected book, 
So dear to every Christian's heart ; 

I'll hold thee fast, let my last look 
Be to the Christ e'er I depart. 



AUTOGRAPH. 

Seek to be pure in heart. 

To have thy thoughts refined. 

Thy body is but crumbling dust ; 

Seek then to store the mind. 

The little deeds show how we build,. 

Those lives 'with daily duty filled, 

Can never live for naught. 

Build high, true greatness shall be thine, 

True wisdom not of earth divine; 

In sinful ways may you not fall. 

This is the way to measure tall. 



A UTUMN LEA VES. 21 

THE OLD ARM CHAIR. 



How dear to my heart is the old arm chair, 

That sat by the old fireside ; 
And the best of reasons I'll give to you, 

In that chair my mother died. 

I see her now as she sat therein, 

In the days that have long gone by ; 

How little then we thought of it, 

In this chair our mother should die. 

The old arm chair was a resting place, 
When the daj' of toil was o'er; 

Tw as there she was carried by angel hands, 
Where she will be tired no more. 

The old arm chair is vacant now. 

Nor will I ever again. 
See the dear old face I loved so well, 

For mother is free from pain. 

Dear friends, have you an old arm chair, 

A mother to fill it the same ? 
Thank God each morn as you kiss her lips, 

For she may not long remain. 



AUTOGRAPH. 



May friends not bought 
With gold be thine ; 
May love and truth 
Thy life refine; 
Nor may a shadow, 
Cloud thy brow. 
Let loving thoughts. 
Thy heart endow; 
May gentle words, 
And deeds complete, 
Embalm thy life. 
And make it sweet. 
As daughter, sister. 
Husband, friend. 
The God of Heaven, 
Thee, defend. 



22 AUTUMN LEAVES. 



'WE WILL GO TO HER. 



Dear child of our affection, 
Our Mamie, dear and true ; 

We wonder in selecting, 

Death should have chosen you. 

For in night's solemn stillness, 

An angel band unseen, 
Took thee from those who loved thee,. 

Mid anguish, lasting keen. 

Dear loving hands are clasping, 

Dear tender heart so true ; 
With all our tears and fasting. 

We grieve, but not for you. 

Your rosy lips caressing. 

Once lisped in love our name ; 

Your busy feet are resting. 
Not tossed in weary pain. 

Dark loving eyes unfolding. 

To glories never seen ; 
Your Saviour now beholding 

Jiy living pastures green. 

Like Israel's sweetPsalmist, 
We know you cannot come ; 

We hope to find our Mamie 
When all our work is done. 

The flowers you wished to gather 
To place on mother's grave. 

We place with sweet mementoes. 
With those your school-mates gave. 

And there are flowers immortal, 
And songs of highest worth. 

And Mamie's voice is being tuned 
To songs ne'er heard on earth. 



A UTUMN LEA VES. 23 



ALONE. 

Alone, did you say, dear friend ? 

With God and the angels near. 

Can't you hear His voice 

Bid your heart rejoice, 

Take my hand dear child, I'm here. 

Alone, did you say, dear friend ? 

Why, the widow's God is thine ; 

You are fed each day 

In Elijah's way 

By a hand that is divine. 

Alone, did you say, dear friend ? 
Was it ever told how far 
Is the golden gate for which you wait, 
The home where your loved ones are? 

Alone, did you say, dear friend ? 

Wait only a little while ; 

It w'on't be long. 

With the ransomed throng. 

Your song with theirs unite. 

Alone, did you say dear friend ? 
It won't seem long that day. 
At the golden gate. 
Where loved ones wait 
To meet you on the way. 



24 AUTUMN LEAVES. 



LITTLE ALLIE. 



Darling little Allie, 
With her eyes of blue, 
Loving, wise and true ; 
Same old story told, 
She will not grow old. 

Darling little Allie. 

Grandma's little Allie, 
Trotting here and there, 
Found most anywhere ; 
With her loving smile. 
Helping all the while. 

Once was little Allie. 

Grandpa's little Allie, 
Climbing on his knee, 
Loving there to be. 
Resting tired feet. 
Then she falls asleep, 

Tired my little Allie. 

Mother's little Allie, 
Was so tired that day, 
When she went away. 
Allie's busy feet 
Walk the golden street. 

In Heaven is little Allie. 

Darling little Allie, 
Is a jewel, rare. 
In the angels care. 
For our Allie waits 
By the golden gate. 

Darling little Allie. 



AUTUMN LEAVES. 25 



BE STILL. 

Be still, oh, loving heart, be still, 
Oh, hear thy Master's voice and will ; 
He took thy young wife home, 
He took her from her husband's side, 
That you might more in Him confide ; 
Yield to your Maker's will. 

CHORUS. 
Be still, oh, loving heart, be still, 
He'll keep her from all earthly ill, 
And shield her from all earthly harm. 

Be still, oh, loving heart, be still. 
Oh, wait thy Father's voice and will; 
He took thy husband home, 
You think him sleeping in his grave, 
He lives who died your soul to save. 
Does thy desires fulfill, 

■ — [Chorus. 

Be still, oh, loving heart be still, 
He'll keep thy little child. He will ; 
He took thy sweet babe home, 
That he might shield it from all harm ; 
Sure, you would follow safely on 
Where your dear child had gone. 

— [Chorus. 



26 A UTUMN LEA VE8. 



THESINGERANDTHE SONG, 

DELLA BARTON. 



I think of the singer, 

Who gladdened our hearts, 

And made it re-echo with song; 

I think of the song. 

As she warbled it forth 

In such strains — 

As to angels belong, 

I think of the singer — 

As singing on. 

Just over the river side ; 

I think of the song — 

As being sung, 

For its re-echo 

Never has died. 

I think in the choir — 

With the angels above, 

We'll find both singer and song; 

For the music the singer — 

Made while here 

Would gladden an 

Angel throng. 

Oh, singer sweet of — 

An angels throng. 

Oh, come to us once again ; 

Oh, beautiful song. 

Awaken our hearts , 

In welcome and 

Sweet refrain. 

Oh, choir where the 

Singer never shall tire ! 

Oh, singer, in robes made white. 

Oh, song of immortal, — 

Glory and bliss. 

Sing on in your 

Sweet delight. 



AUTUMN LEAVES, 27 



FAREWELL. 

■ » ' 

I leave my husband's grave, 

So far away ; 
My heart shall linger here, 

I cannot stay. 

Oh, let me kiss the sod, 

O'er his dear clay. 
Let me stand closely by, 

While yet I may, 

Oh, star of gentle night, 
Look down from the sky. 

Stand guard o'er this dear mound, 
When I'm not by. 

And moonbeam's gentle light 

Make night as day. 
Oh leave him not alone 

When I'm away. 

Sweet bird, oh! sing with me 

My sad farewell , 
And rain-drop mingle tears 

That oft have fell. 

Oh, let me sweetly sleep 

When life is past; 
By my own husband's side, 

Sweet rest at last, 



28 A UTUMN LEA VES. 



LINES TO A BROTHER DEAD. 

Death came once more, with relentless tread) 
And numbered a dear one with the dead; 
They folded his hands on his manly breast, 
And closed his eyes as is wont to rest. 
'Twas the mouldering clay of one we loved. 
The soul from its casket had been removed. 
We could not watch it in its upward flight, 
Just the form was left for our mortal sight. 
Then the mourners came, and the house was 

dark, 
And each heart was sad, then the tear would 

start; 
And the watchers waited, with calm, still tread, 
"While the coffin plated for its narrow bed. 
The morning came with its bright sunlight; 
The birds were warbling with pure delight. 
All nature seemed in its gaj'est dress, 
While cold lips waited their last caress. 
Then many came with mournful look. 
While the pastor read from the dear old book. 
"If a man die — shall he live again?" 
Doth Jesus care for our mortal frame, 
Though dust shall return to the dust again — 
The power of Christ shall remain the same. 
Then words of comfort to the mourner spoke: 
That Jesus would help them bear the stroke, 
The mourners gazed on the dear, cold dead, 
For the prayer was offered and the bible read; 
Yet God could comfort — the mourner bless; 
'Twas he who had made their number less. 

'Twas a mournful scene, when the parting 

came. 
For a darling son in the grave was lain ; 
Then they laid the dust on the coffin deep, 
Then hoped again in Heaven to meet. 

In Heaven there is no sad farewell. 
There those who love Jesus forever shall 

dwell. 
Remember dear mourner, to lean on Him still 
And list to His voice, and follow His will. 



A UrUMN LEA VES. 2!) 

VELMA. 



■^'I was dumb, I opened not my mouth because 

Thou didst it." 
There's a dear little girl who is missing to- 
night, 
Yet we claimed her a few days ago; 
No doubt she is singing with angels so bright. 
Though her dear precious form lies so low. 

There's a place in our hearts none but Velma 
can fill, 

I/ittle clothes that we can bear to see; 
A young loving heart that is silent and still, 

OhI we wonder sometimes can it be ? 

There's a sweet little voice that could sing, 
oh, so sweet, 

Which has sung its last warble below ; 
We have but to wait dear Velma to meet 

Where such beautiful flowers will grow. 

Those flowers the brightest fade first from our 
sight, 
And God often chooses our fireside to blight, 
Yet we know when clouds darken a fair April 
sky. 
That there will be sunshine to cheer us Vjy 
and by. 



LOLA. 

A little bud was taken, 

B}' the Saviour's hand ; 
That it might open 

In a better land. 
It shall not be blighted 

By the frosts of time; 
Our darling shall be cared for 

By a hand divine. 



30 AUTUMN LEAVES. 

MY FATHER'S OLD FARM. 



How close to my life are the 

Memories of childhood, 
And fond recollections bring back to 

My view ; 
The maple and oak in the 

Far spreading wildwood, 
Those days when fond hearts were 

Most loving and true. 

The wide-spreading oak, with the 

Maple tree by it, 
The green grassy knoll, and the 

Nice shady dell ; 
The dear old farm house, 

With the road running by it. 
In sight of the school and 

The clear sounding bell. 

The nice shady walk where we 

Children would wander. 
The orchard and meadow. 

And grain-laden field ; 
Those places for us were 

An infinite pleasure. 
No other such treasure 

Can ever more yield. 

Our father once viewed it 

With eyes overflowing, 
On home, its attractions 

Would lovingly dwell ; 
On fruits of the year hardest 

Ivabor bestowing. 
Our father's dear farm 

Where we so loved to dwell. 

Now lonely it seems as we 

Children pass by it. 
The orchard, and meadow, 

And grain-laden field ; 



A UTUMN LEA VES. 31 



With longing we look, oft wish 

We could buy it, 
This home of our birth-place, 

Such pleasure could yield. 

Dear father and mother, 

Are quietly sleeping, 
Awaken no more 

To welcome us there; 
Let us meet them above 

With a happier greeting,-* 
And share evermore 

In an infinite love. 



INCIDENT. 

— •*• — 

One day I called on an aged pair. 

The time seemed long since I'd been there ; 

And age had frosted the good man's hair 

Who sat by his wife in his easy chair. 

While her form was bent, all the love was 

•there 
For the good old man, with the frosted hair ; 
Four score years, and almost ten, 
L/ike birds in a nest they had always been ; 
A day at a time had lived and then 
Would both go ho'>ne in the morning. 
This dear old wife of great renown. 
Had CookedioT the men who laid out our town, 
And said on the place she had tried to frown, 
With its towering hills to be cut down. 
The hills shall 'round old Gilead stand. 
When they shall look on the better land 

With others who lived in dear old G , 

Who have toiled so hard for you and me. 



32 AUTUMN LEAVES. 

MULTIPLIED. 



Elisha heard the voice of God, 

Wenton the way Elijah trod; 

For boldly would the Prophet tell 

The faults of Kings, and do it well. 

A woman lived within the land, 

Whose husband 'mong the Prophets stand : 

When good Elisha passed that way, 

She called to him without delay ; 

And said thy servant feared the L/Ord, 

I know thou wilt not doubt my word. 

The creditors approach I dread. 

Since he, my husband is now dead. 

My two dear sons still left to me. 

As bondsmen will now taken be. 

Elisha said, O, pray tell me 

What would'st thou have me do for thee ?' 

Thy handmaid has one pot of oil 

With which the creditors to foil. 

He said, go borrow vessels more. 

And bring them emptied to thy door — 

Of all thy neighbors, not a few, 

Then shut thy door thy sons and you. 

Then fill the empty vessels fast, 

'Till you have filled the ver}' last ; 

As fast as filled, oh, set aside 

While 3'ou within the room abide. 

Then she went in, shut too the door. 

The boys brought vessels, she would pour; 

When she had filled and not delayed. 

Behold the oil, for it had stayed. 

With joy she did the good news tell, 

Elisha said this oil you sell ; 

This my poor woman, my request, 

Go pay thy debt, live on the rest. 

The widow, God will not forsake. 

Nor thy two sons as bondsmen take. 

Oh ! learn a lesson widowed friend, 

Always on God the Lord depend ; 

He can increase thy little store. 

When not enough can make it more ; 

Then trust Him for thy daily bread,. 

Be it enough the Lord hath said. 



AUTUMN LEAVES. a'i 



ANGELS. 

I want to be an angel, 

And by the needy stand ; 
With a bushel of potatoes 

"And flour sack in my hand." 
I'd love to wipe the tear drops 

From the lonely care-worn face, 
As much as lieth in me, 

The lost one to replace. 

I'd love to be an angel. 

On earth to take a stand; 
For all that's noble, good and true, 

In our all glorious land. 
Against all wrong too great and small, 

I'd live for God and right ; 
The truly good should be the tall, 

The great in God's own sight. 

No one can be an angel, 

In spotless robes made white. 
For angels we must wait awhile, 

'Till there shall be no night. 
But we may do an angel's work 

In ministering to the poor, 
For only they who try it once 

Can know what they endure. 

Oh ! would you like an angel, 

One day with angels stand, 
Give to the poor and needy. 

Nor with a sparing hand. 
Let tender tear drops moisten. 

While others grief you share ; 
Don't stop with just a bushel. 

Give all that you can spare. 



34 A UTUMN LEA VES. 

BLOSSOMS. 



In the golden summer 

When all earth was bright, 

All for us was darkened 
In our home, 'twas night. 

Little hands were folded, 
Still our baby's tread, 

In her little casket 
Lay our Annie dead. 

Little face so lovely, 
Prattling lips so still. 

Oh, we miss our darling 
Now and ever will. 

Just like a fair lily 

Broken from the stem, 

Yet our dear one liveth 
In God's diadem. 

Little Annie liveth 
In the Shepherd's fold, 

When the morning cometh 
Shareth joys untold. 



In snowy robes of spotless white, 

In little coffin lay ; 
The idle of our heart and home, 

Our darling little May. 

Those eyes which shone with 

Heaven's own light. 
And clustering golden hair ; 

Dear little hands and busy feet, 
Need not a mother's care. 

The night of death came all too soon, 

And clouded o'er the day ; 
The tender Shepherd took our lamb 

And carried her far away. 



AUTUMN LEAVES. 'M 

J. S. H. 

Oh, how we miss him, 

Aching hearts await ; 
Until we shall meet him 

At the golden gate. 

Oh, how we miss him — 

Miss him everywhere; 
We can almost see him 

Going here and there. 

Oh, we shall miss hiin, — 

Truly are bereft. 
Youngest and last one, 

Sweet be thy rest. 

Others will not miss him. 

Loving hearts await ; 
Dear ones were waiting 

At the golden gate. 



MOTHER'S CHOIR. 



The singers were many, the song was free, 
The place to sing was an apple tree. 
Then it was a song you could have all free, 
No matter how poor in pocket you be, 
If you'd only get up in the morning. 
The singer sang in the earl}^ spring. 
In the morning bright would gladness brinj 
With a hop and a skip on busy wings, 
Would find a bug, or a little string ; 
Would build their nest in the morning. 
Oh, robin, sweet with your gladsome song, 
We will learn a lesson as we go along ; 
If we would;be wise or wealthy or strong. 
We must get up in the morning. 



36 AUTUMN LEAVES. 

THE TEMPERANCE ARMY. 



There's a war cloi;d of temperance revived, 

There are workers for Christ coming on ; 
Yes the time for grand work has arrived, 

Will you tell to which side you belong? 
There are banners afloat in the sky, 

There are those to be snatched from the 
grav,e ; 
When sin and destruction is nigh 

There is One who is mighty to save. 

You have heard of the snares they have laid, 

You have heard of the dreadful saloon ; 
You have heard how the mighty and brave 

Are snatched from the jaws of the tonnb. 
Have }-ou heard of the brave and the trne 

Who are coming by ten thousand strong ? 
O, say, ni}' young friend, is it j-ou 

Who will to this army belong ? 

Then away with this curse from our land. 

There's a grand jubilee drawing nigh ; 
Young man, let them know where you stand. 

To darkness and sin say good bye ; 
There's a place for your name on the scroll, 

There's a work that your Master has given ; 
There's a ransom once paid for your soul. 

There are loved ones awaiting in heaven. 



JOHNNY. 

I was going home from a visit, 
Had kissed my kind friend adieu ; 

When with arms outstretched, little Johnny 
Said, "pease, me too." 

How we loved the dear little fellow, 
Nor thought soon his absence to weep ; 

Yet, with all of our loving, the Saviour 
Took dear little Johnny to keep. 



A UTU31N LEA VES. 37 



PROFILE. 



His form was bent, his hair was gray, 

His eye could see most ever}' way. 

His voice would sound like a distant roar, 

When a tardy scholar came in the door ; 

The ruler and rod were the fashion then, 

No one would have liked to have tardy been. 

We sang our Geography lessons o'er. 
Like the printed chart studied before ; 
We swept the school house at noon for pay 
While the lazy ones were out at play, 
Then when the master at noon came in 
We were the ones his favor to win. 

Gold dollars were given for prizes new 
To those who were the industrious few, 
A new school book would he thrown in 
For those who would try his favor to win ; 
So thorough in work, so earnest and brave. 
We will not forget the lessons he gave. 

No one ever taught in our dear old town. 
Who earned for himself a greater renown, 
And while we remember the school days of old. 
His memory to us is as good as his gold ; 
There are those in the east, there are those in 

the west, 
There are those who have long since gone to 

rest. 
Who owe to this teacher their success here. 
Will always the name of this teacher revere. 

We shall not forget those dear old school days, 
The old round school house, our master's 

stem ways ; 
This school house once stood southeast of the 

square. 
Our fondest remembrance shall ever be there. 



P>H AUTUMN LEAVES. 



ASLEEP. 

Sleep, dear mother, sweetly sleep, 
While o'er thy couch thy children weep ; 

We loved thee, Jesus loved thee more, 
And welcomed thee to heaven's shore. 

Sleep, mother, as we look upon thy face, 
We know no other one can fill thy place ; 

No other step so welcome at our door. 
Thy busy fingers doeth kind deeds nevermore. 

Sleep, mother sleep, we may not hear thy 
voice. 
Nor share with thee our pleasant New Year's 

joys, 
But notes of praise in heaven are tuned anew. 
And beauties rare presented to thy view. 

Sleep, darling mother, calmly sleep. 
While loving memories we, thy children keep; 

Of all thy loving care, instruction kind, 
And blest example left to those behind. 

Sleep, mother, sleep, thou wilt awake again, 
To life anew, and joys without a pain ; 

We will not think of thee, as sleeping 'neath 
the sod, 
But with the Angels, thy loved ones and God. 

Sleep, mother, thy last, long, silent sleep, 
Within the lonely tomb to us so deep ; 

Jesus has called thee, waiting at the door, 
Our mother liveth and has only gone before. 



A UTUMN LEA VES. :i!) 



FASHION'S QUESTION BOX. 



Will you tell me how 1113- new dress should be 

made? 
Can you show me how these folds are to be laid? 
Should I wear brown, black or the navy blue? 
Do you think the folds of my dress are true? 
Do you think they'd know if this goods were 

pieced ? 
Will the trimming hide where it is creased? 
Should I wear a hat that is quite tall? 
Say, ain't this hat for me too small ? 
Is her hat trimmed in the latest style? 
Don't a pretty hat 3'our heart beguile? 
Does a turban hat look good on me? 
Oh, ain't that hat as lovelj- as it can be? 
Which suits me best, a bonnet or a hat? 
Don't you wish you could wear a feather like 

that? 
W^ill the bonnet be quite large or small? 
Will the crown of the hat be low or tall ? 
I have not been to church for a great long 

while, 
Because ni}' clothes are out of style. 
Oh, dear, that girl is far too small, 
I think she is laced to death, that's all ? 
I know dear mother must work all night, 
But we girl's hands must be so white. 
The old folks now must keep out of the way, 
For the dear young people must have their say. 
These questions and thoughts are for common 

clay. 
Shall we hope dear friends for a better day? 



40 AUTUMN LEAVES. 

REST AWHILE. 



Come, come my heart, Oh ! take a little rest, 
What would'st thou now, oh what is thy re- 
quest ? 
These cravings will not bring Thee thy desire 
Except thou cease thy longings, look zip 
higher. 

Would'st thou have wealth to lay it at His feet? 
Lay down thy will, 'tis to thy Lord more 
sweet. 
For he who has but little may give more. 
To give at all must sacrifices make o'er and 
o'er. 

Woud'st thou have honor, spread thy fame 
abroad, 
Think more of self, than thou dost think 
of God ? 
He who hath made thee can in a moment take 
Thy gifts, if thou dost Him forsake. 

Or if thou would'st have love to help Thee 
bear thy part, 
And love not thy maker with all thy heart, 
All love like this will surely leave a smart, 
And all thy joys shall quickly from thy life 
depart 

Oh, cease thy craving, rest a little while, 
There is no love without a tear, in truest 
hearts some guile ; 
Contented would'st thou be, rest in thy lot. 
Take things as they are, thou shall not be 
forgot. 

There's one who knows Thee will not mi s 
construe. 
Nor take thee wrong whatever thou shalt do. 
One lasting friend thou can'st always secure ; 

He is a friend who evermore endures, 
Thy wants may all be met, if thou in Christ 
abide, 
In all thy sorrows in the Rock of Ages hide. 



AUTUMN LEAVES, 41 

HIDDEN, 



A worm came crawling that had sixteen feet, 

A worm with thirteen joints complete ; 

When all at once so still it lay, 

You would think the ugly thing meant to stay. 

It was only undoing its clothes behind, 

A newer dress underneath to find; 

The dress it had on was far too small, 

That was the reasons it could not crawl. 

Four times it leaves a dress behind, 

Always a clean new one to find; 

The last time it tries it is stiff" and cold, 

You would think as you watch its sorrows 

were told, 
That the ugly worm would trouble no more 
Creeping and crawling around your door, 
When j'ou are delighted to see one day 
A golden -tipped butterfly sailing away. 
On beautiful wings in the bright sunlight, 
A thing of beauty and pure delight. 
How like this worm do we travel along. 
Never seeming to know to what state we 

belong; 
There are many old garments that we should 

lay by 
Before our pure spirits soar aloft to the sky. 



HOODS. 



Childhood is the morning, 
'Tis the spring-time hour, 

And the precious seed time 
Gather we the flower. 

Then comes fairy girlhood. 
Boyhood needing care. 

Maidenhood and manhood 
With their do and dare. 

Womanhood and motherhood. 
Love and joy shall cling. 

Every good there is in life 
W'ith these hoods we bring. 

Motherhood is full of song, 
With its gifts so rare. 

Widowhood means struggle on 
With the IvOrd to care. 



42 AUTUMN LEAVES. 

ADA. 



It was a wintry day, 5'et rain drops sped, 
And wept sweet tears for the early dead ; 

As if to moisten the hard, cold earth, 
To grieve with us as the}- bore her forth. 

The gentle rain drops seemed to say, 
No bitter' tears should be shed to-day; 

Why grieve for those in that happy home. 
Where none are sick, weary or lone? 

Let this darling child sleep on and rest. 
Fold our sisters hands upon her breast; 

Speak softly she will not hear you now. 
Kiss for the last our dear one's brow. 

Call, she will answer you never more. 
She waiteth upon a far off shore ; 

We will for the last with flowers adorn, 
Then look for the last on the lovely form. 

We will listen, the kind words our pastor 
shall say, 
Then prayerfully, tearfully, Vjear her away; 
To lay her to rest in the silent tomb, 

From which our dear Saviour has taken 
the gloom. 

Dear friends, will you think of the streets of 
pure gold. 
Where eye hath not seen, neither tongue 
has it told ; 
Think of the pleasures with those who are 
there. 
Of the fadeless robes that the holy wear. 

Hands clasped in hands, no more to be 
severed, 
Homes broken here, shall there be re- 
gathered ; 
Think, would you bring back to sorrow and 
pain 
The sister and daughter to see once again? 

One of our teachers, a friend so esteemed, 
Has only gone home, is with the redeemed, 

Entwined in the hearts of beloved ones is 
she. 
Treasured forever dear Ada shall be. 

Now father, and brother, and sisters are 

there. 

The robes and the crown of the holy they 

wear. 

How sweetly and fondly will welcome be given 

To us by beloved ones rejoicing in heaven. 



AUTUMN LEAVES, 43 

CHATTANOOGA. 



Beautiful burial place of our dead. 

With the white marble at each[soldier's head, 

Beautiful place, by a uatiou revered. 

Sacred thy pathways to true hearts endeared, 

Our brave men who died that we mightbefree. 

Are sleeping their last in ol<l Tennessee. 

I see the dear face of my brother so fair 

Whose e3-es were as blue as the skj^ shineth 

there, 
Whose heart was as true as this earth ever knew 
There this brother sleepeth 'neath the red, 

white and blue. 
A sister's dear husband is resting near by. 
So strong and so manly, so noble to die. 
Oh, would I could go there and sit close beside 
The graves of these martyrs our joy and our 

pride. 
Across the great waters oi: fair southern plain, 
Our husband, our brothers shall not come again, 
The raiu-drop shall moisten, the star looketh 

down, 
The sweet bird is singing its song of renown. 
All nature shall smile o'er the place of our dead 
The place we so fondly could wish we might 

tread. 
Oh ! think of our dead in old Tennessee, 
W^ho died that your life might be noble and free. 



W. R.C. AND G, A. R. 



W. R. C. and G. A. R. 

Join these letters with a star, 

Spread your kind deeds far and wide ; 

Let no rivalr}^ divide. 

Long as stars shall light the sky. 

Work there is for ^-ou and I, 

Woman, let your works abound, 

Works of love to all around. 

W'ith relief in time of need 

Corps of readv workers speed ; 

G. A. R. and W. R. C. 

W'ork for God and liberty. 

Grand and noble, loyal brave. 

Army hurrying to the grave, 

Well may this Republic show 

Honor to the brave and true, 

W^hile the stars and stripes shall wave, 

Honor we our soldier's brave ; 

G. A. R. and W\ R. C. 

Work for God and liberty. 



44 AUTUMN LEAVES. 

HIDDEN PRAYER. 



Our Father over all the earth, 
Who art the ruler of the universe, 
In heaven, on earth, we will exclaim 
Hallowed be Thy holy name. 
Thy Kingdojn over all shall be. 
Come, worship then this King with me. 
Thy tribute to the King of Kings 
Will be a loyal heart to bring. 
Done, is the willing service done ? 
On earth the path of life begun ; 
As it is finished in the sky, 
Heaven, shall the covenant ratify. 
Give us. Oh, Lord, the grace to see, 
This day we should remember Thee, 
Our daily bread, wilt thou supply — 
And feed us ere we faint and die. 
Forgive us for we sinful art 
All of our tresspasses in heart, 
As we our foes in truth forgive, 
Forgive our sins, and let us live, 
Those whom we willingly forgiive. 
Who trespass 'gainst us, oh, receive. 
Lead us not in temptation'' s way. 
But deliver us from evil day, 
For thine is the Kingdom, and the power ^ 
And the glory forever more. 



SERVICE. 

As God is my Creator kind, 
For me my life in him I find. 
And give my talents, power and all, 
My life surrender to his call. 
House, money, land, to us is given. 
We use them for ourselves and heaven, 
Will lay them at our master's feet ; 
Serve him in voice and song complete, 
The willing service, we will give, 
Lord^ us accept, and bid us live. 







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